Week 2 of the NFL season was a brutal reminder of how quickly a franchise’s fortunes can change with a single play, as several high-profile players were sidelined by injuries. These injuries have led to immediate questions about their long-term availability and the corresponding ripple effect on their respective teams, as well as the consequences for the rest of the league. From quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Justin Fields to former All-Pros Austin Ekeler, Jaylon Johnson and AJ Terrell, Week 2’s casualties are projected to have major implications for the league’s overall landscape.
Pro Bowl Quarterback Joe Burrow, the face of the Cincinnati Bengals, sustained a toe injury in Week 2 that could see him out for at least three months. The injury, which occurred in the second quarter of the Bengals’ win over the Jaguars, is Burrow’s second major injury in the past three seasons, raising questions about his durability. As a result, many have wondered if the Bengals’ lack of investment in their offensive line could be a contributing factor to Burrow’s unfortunate injury history.
Some fans have compared Burrow’s state to that of former Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Andrew Luck — who retired abruptly in 2019 after a slew of injuries — fearing that Burrow could be tempted to do the same. Luck was sacked 174 times in six seasons, while Burrow is already at 201, an ominous sign for any Bengals fan.
While Burrow could return before the end of the season, the Bengals will try to keep their preseason playoff hopes alive without him for at least three months. For Cincinnati, the impact of losing Burrow for any period of time is enormous. As the team’s most important player, Burrow is the key to their offense, not just because of his ability to throw to star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but also because of his leadership capabilities. Without Burrow, the Bengals have to rely on backup quarterback Jake Browning, which may significantly alter their offensive identity. The AFC North is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL — both the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers have shown flashes of being true contenders this season — and an extended absence out of Burrow could put the Bengals behind the eight ball early on.
In the East, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields is currently in the concussion protocol following a big hit from Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa in New York’s Week 2 loss. Fields, coming off a great Week 1 performance against the Steelers, was struggling prior to the hit that knocked him out of the game. While it is unclear how long Fields will be out for, he was ruled out for the Jets’ Week 3 matchup on the road against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Known for his dual-threat ability, Fields has struggled with consistency as a passer, and questions persist about his ability to stay healthy. If Fields’ injury lingers or leads to any negative effects for his future performance, it could throw New York’s offense into disarray, as they had hoped that Fields’ running ability would add another dimension to their offense.
Looking beyond injured quarterbacks, multiple teams with playoff expectations faced injuries to star players in Week 2. The Washington Commanders were dealt a major blow when running back Austin Ekeler suffered a torn achilles, ruling him out for the remainder of the season. Known for his running and pass-catching prowess, Ekeler is a key piece of the Commanders offense. Without Ekeler, the Commanders will turn to rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt to step up out of the backfield, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels being out for a week as well. Daniels is projected to return in Week 4, so for at least one week the Commanders’ backfield will feature Croskey-Merritt and veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota.
In the defensive backfield, injuries to Jaylon Johnson and AJ Terrell are also significant. Johnson, the Chicago Bears’ top cornerback, suffered a groin injury that could sideline him for several weeks. With the Bears’ secondary already struggling after beginning the season 0-2, Johnson’s absence leaves a major void in their defense. Similarly, Atlanta Falcons’ Terrell, who is regarded as one of the league’s top cover cornerbacks, suffered a hamstring injury, with his designation as “week-to-week.” While less severe, his absence will hurt the Falcons’ ability to contain dynamic passing attacks. Both teams now face pressure to rely on depth.
These injuries underscore the NFL’s harsh reality and the importance of depth across all positions. Teams like the Bengals, Bears and Commanders will need to adapt quickly to stay competitive, and the league as a whole will feel the impact when it comes to divisional races. Ultimately, teams that can weather these setbacks and adjust will be in the best position to make playoff pushes.
